How to make a solar cell at Home

Scientists, environmentalists, and politicians are always looking for ways to reduce air and water pollution and make energy production cleaner and more efficient. Because the environment is being damaged with chemicals and waste products from traditional energy production, solar energy offers an appealing alternative. The generation of solar energy depends on chemical reactions involving energy created by the sun, so the energy produced does not damage the environment in any way. Solar cells are an essential component of producing solar energy in homes and businesses.




Solar cells are simply devices that are used to create energy with the use of the photovoltaic effect. Understanding how solar energy is created involves understanding what the photovoltaic effect is and what it means for energy production. The photovoltaic effect is a process in which electrons are released from a substance after energy has been absorbed from visible light or x-ray. In the use of solar cells, the photovoltaic effect occurs as a result of the absorption of energy from the sun. There are three types of solar cells, known as first generation, second generation, and third generation solar cells. They are classified in the order in which they become widely-known.



First generation solar cells are large devices that are very intensive in terms of labor. Because the energy output is not enough to justify the cost and labor of first generation solar cells, these cells do not help to reduce the expenses of energy production. Second generation solar materials were developed with the goals of reducing energy production costs while generating sufficient amounts of electricity. There are some successful materials developed, but these materials can not always generate needed amounts of energy. Third generation materials are being researched in an attempt to maximize energy production and reduce the costs of developing solar cells.



Solar cells work by using the energy from the sun to react with chemicals in a cell to produce energy. What happens is that photons (units of energy) from the sun reach a panel of solar cells and are absorbed by the materials inside the cells. This absorption causes a chemical reaction where electrons are released from the semiconductor materials and allowed to flow freely. This continued flow of charged particles is what creates electricity.



Solar cells can be used for many applications in commercial and residential environments. On a small scale, solar cells are used to operate solar calculators and other small devices. On a larger scale, solar cells can be used to generate power in areas where access to a power grid is unavailable. Satellites and space probes use solar cells to produce energy since they are not in distance of more common electrical power grids. All of these applications make energy production less hazardous and more environmentally efficient.



Solar cells should be used for several reasons including cost effectiveness, reduced environmental impact, and use of renewable energy. Once the initial costs of installing solar cells and other solar energy production equipment have been met, using solar cells is very cost-efficient and can save homeowners and business owners money on the energy they use. The environmental impact of the use of solar cells is very positive. In traditional energy generation methods, pollution is created and can be released into the air, water, and soil, contaminating our food and the air we breathe. With solar cells and solar energy production, no dangerous chemicals are used, so there are no harmful byproducts. Using a renewable energy source is also a great benefit of using solar cells. Other energy production methods rely on natural resources that can’t be replaced quickly or cannot be replaced at all. Solar cells use energy from the sun to produce energy, so no natural resources are expended